crisis pregnancy
The Root of the Problem
As a society, we must come to terms with our individual responsibility for creating an environment in which our children cannot see their value beyond the reflection in the mirror.
Blaming all this on the media is too simplistic. Anorexia and bulimia are not about food. They are about the pain, disappointment and woundedness of life. Although families cannot cause or cure an eating disorder, they can be a contributing factor in the development of the disease and in the recovery process.
One out of 10 people with an eating di sorder is male.1
Causes
- Low self-esteem, inadequacy, anxiety
- Definition of self in terms of appearance
- Actually being overweight
- Helplessness and need for control
- Difficulty in managing emotions
- Social anxiety and lack of social skills
- There is even strong evidence of a genetic or biological predisposition for the development of eating disorders
The dangerous cycle
- We all search for love, acceptance and approval to increase our feelings of worthiness.
- Teens have their our own perception of how this need is met satisfactorily. When their need for love, acceptance and approval is not met in a manner that satisfies their particular perceptions, feelings of inadequacy may lead to low self-esteem.
- These negative feelings about themselves can be extremely lonely and painful.
- Eating disorder behavior is developed and numbs the pain temporarily.
- This addictive and obsessive behavior most generally results in severe consequences.
- Then guilt and shame over the consequences can be overwhelming for a child.
- Often, this shame can easily become a powerful feeling of self-hatred, which will further distort their perception of how they can meet their need for love, acceptance and approval.
Then, the cycle begins again. The key to the recovery process begins with professional help which intervenes in this cycle, addresses the faulty beliefs and perceptions and helps create a more accurate and kinder view of self.
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Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest